Castle Doctrine

July 2, 2011

On Tuesday, June 28, our Pennsylvania governor signed into law a long-awaited piece of legislation that grants law-abiding citizens the right to defend themselves from violent criminals without fear of unnecessary prosecution and civil lawsuits.

Under the current law, there existed a duty to retreat within your own home or property if you were threatened by a criminal. Castle Doctrine now puts the weight of law on the side of victims, where it belongs, so they need not fear acting in self defense or be forced to retreat from their own homes when confronted by violence.

I would like to personally thank Kim Stolfer, who helped author the legislation; all the dedicated volunteers of Firearms Owners Against Crime and the members of Pennsylvania Firearms Owners Association for the seven years of hard work, phone calls, faxes and emails that have culminated in this victory for all law-abiding citizens of Pennsylvania.

I would also like to thank our own state Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Lock Haven, for co-sponsoring this legislation in the House and for once again proving he is an ardent defender of our right to keep and bear arms along with state Sen. John Wozniak, D-Johnstown, who also supported this bill.

Thanks to all of you who had any part in making this a reality.

Be armed and be safe.

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Timothy Havener is Central Chapter president of the Firearms Owners Against Crime.